What are the advantages and disadvantages of different treatments for bacterial infections?

Bacterial Treatments: Bacteria unlike viruses require treatment usually with antibiotics. The advantages (curing the infection) far outweigh most often any disadvantages. Some bacterial disease can be treated locally without antibiotics but most will require it. The disadvantage in the use of antibiotics is it can cause a change in the normal bacteria in the bowel and elsewhere and of course can lead to resistance.

Depends on which!: Most bacterial infections must be treated with antibiotics -- your doctor chooses which antibiotic to use based on which bacterial infection it is, where it is, how bad the infection is, and the antibiotic resistance patterns in your area. Antibiotics can sometimes cause allergic reactions or side effects (i.e., vomiting, diarrhea, yeast infection), so only use them when there's bacterial infection.